IU vs PZ Match Preview
Islamabad are looking to keep bouncing back from three defeats in a row earlier this tournament. They will be hard pressed against a Peshawar Zalmi unit that has momentum on the back of three wins in a row, but also a recent defeat to recover from.
When choosing the batters for your Dream11 team, look no further than Agha Salman for a top Pakistan talent. He is United's leading run-scorer this PSL season with 188 in five innings. In terms of an international pick in the United XI, New Zealand's Colin Munro has been in good form as well.
As you look through the Islamabad bowlers, you'll see that Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan are well worth consideration. Fast bowler Shah and leg-spinner Khan have taken seven and six wickets, respectively, this Pakistan Super League season.
Khan is one of the best all-rounders at the tournament. Because they can have a big impact with bat and ball, getting your contingent of all-rounders as right as possible will be important to your Dream11 team selection. Khan is also a livewire in the field, leading by example as captain of Islamabad.
Babar Azam is another big name you really should put in your Dream11 team. He has already reached 330 runs in the 2024 PSL. His previous innings was 111 not out against Islamabad. He can succeed against the same opposition again.
Arif Yaqoob is an interesting new pick worth looking at. He recently became the first bowler in the history of the tournament to pick up four wickets in a single over. He took five wickets in the match, which was also against Islamabad. Conditions in Rawalpindi could suit him.
Weather Report
The wet weather that washed out two PSL matches in Rawalpindi earlier this week might have passed. We should get in a full fixture here, even if conditions might not be as hot and sunnny as they have been earlier in the tournament.
Pitch Report
A first-innings score of 160-plus could be enough for the team batting first here. Both teams will likely play two specialist slow bowlers - and perhaps open the bowling with one.
Notable stats
Babar Azam in fine form
Azam's 330 runs in five innings this PSL season have included that ton against United, 68 against the Quetta Gladiators and 72 against the Karachi Kings.
Team News
Islamabad United will likely find place for England recruit Jordan Cox in their XI again. It remains in the balance whether Peshawar Zalmi will retain West Indian all-rounder Rovman Powell in their XI.
IU vs PZ Probable 11
IU Playing 11
- Jordan Cox
- Colin Munro
- Shadab Khan (C)
- Agha Salman
- Azam Khan (Wk)
- Haider Ali
- Faheem Ashraf
- Imad Wasim
- Hunain Shah
- Naseem Shah
- Tymal Mills
PZ Playing 11
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam (C)
- Haseebullah Khan
- Mohammad Haris (Wk)
- Paul Walter
- Rovman Powell
- Asif Ali
- Luke Wood
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Arif Yaqoob
- Salman Irshad
Dream11 Prediction
Peshawar will likely win here. They have plenty of momentum, which United have struggled to gather. Zalmi's batting resources are deep and their bowling department in form.
Top Picks
Babar Azam: Back the Peshawar Zalmi captain to put in another big knock at the top of the order.
Arif Yaqoob: The Zalmi star can build on his recent five-wicket haul against the same opposition.
Naseem Shah: Your Dream11 team could do with this young, in-form fast bowler.
IU vs PZ Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: Jordan Cox
Batters: Saim Ayub, Colin Munro, Babar Azam (VC), Alex Hales
All-rounders: Shadab Khan (C), Paul Walter, Agha Salman
Bowlers: Luke Wood, Naveen-ul-Haq, Naseem Shah
